Saturday, December 7, 2013

We had a small birthday party for Raylee's 1st Birthday, it was a lot of fun... and well, a lot of work :) We were so incredibly blessed by our sweet family and were so happy that ALL of our cousins could be there too, but I think we will follow in the footsteps of some family's I greatly admire... birthday parties every OTHER year ;) We will see what next year brings, I might change my mind. ha.

We really are so blessed by our wonderful families and are loving being closer to cousins! I love that Raylee delights in her cousins and always has so much fun watching them all play!

Happy Birthday to our Sweet Girl! We love you to pieces!!

they are moving here... in like a month!!! wohoo!

cupcake!!

the girlies :) can't wait to see them grow up together!

cousins are the best helpers :)

Baby Teague missed the party by 2 days!! But we were so glad to meet him!!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Our sweet girl will be one in just a few days! I cannot believe how fast this past year has gone. We are incredibly blessed with a happy, smiley, full of JOY baby girl! Thank you Jesus for your blessing! Raylee has been such a trouper over the last six months... a big move, living in multiple locations, not being settled, fun trips with ZOE, and much more! There has been lots of change, but she keeps a smile on our faces. We are so, so thankful!! We love you baby, happy first birthday!!

At one year old, Sweet Raylee, you are loving Daddy! You cry every time he leaves and when he holds you, you cling to his shirt. It makes mommy smile! You are still loving mommy's milk and not too interested in food. However, we are slowly trying more and more, and I think we are making progress :) You still love music, and have recently fallen in love with a particular blanket. Mommy is so happy... she knows how special a blankie can be :) You love being with your cousins and visiting your grandparents. You are a joy to everyone you are around!!

Our sweet friend, Kateland, took these sweet pictures. These are some of my favorites!

.... And, Miss Raylee Joy has an announcement to make ....

we are all thrilled to announce that we will be a family of FOUR this April :)

Thank you for praying for us as we prepare our hearts and home for another baby!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

We have had a busy summer! a major move from Arlington to St. Louis in May, house searching, ZOE Proximity Camp, volunteering at K-Kauai Family Kamp, a lake trip, Hot Summer Nights, and Andrea's wedding! Whew! It has been a whirlwind, but we are blessed :) Thankful for the Lord's faithfulness and provision for us.

love my happy, smiley girl! Raylee Joy has been such a trooper through all the change this summer

visiting Uncle Dustin in Kentucky... he has chickens!!

waterfalls in Kentucky

love my sweet family!

Stevie visited us! We love Stevie!!

Raylee Joy LOVES my dad... she always reaches for him and loves his beard. :) ... and, I'm pretty sure he is smitten by her too!

Daddy and Raylee swinging at Aunt Andrea's wedding

So, this is what naps look like with a baby! ha! The 3 of us have spent many nights in the same room this summer... grateful for a good sleeper, but daddy still needs his naps!

getting so big!!

lovin' the pool at K-Kauai!

serenade :) Raylee loves music, just like daddy!

squinty eyes!! my silly girl :)

not all nights are happy... Matt and I just laughed as Raylee begged to be in our bed too :) still a cutie, even with a frown!!

sweet snuggles

Matt and I celebrated 5 years in May... M surprised me with a trip to Columbia, Missouri to relive our dating days :) It was so fun to be back!

swimming at Nana's and Grandpa's

Father's Day 2013

The Dukes came to visit us during HSN! We love them so much and were so sad to see them leave! So thankful the Lord put this sweet family in our lives. Can't wait to see them in October!

what?!?! a wingstop in STL?? yay!

looking forward to our first fall in a while! love the St. Louis fall weather and the ways the trees change colors! Sorry Texas, but Missouri does fall better :)

Monday, June 17, 2013

well, we moved to St. Louis... the secret is out! ha. we are so thankful to be near family and I am so excited for Matt to be the new director of ZOE :) So proud of my man and all he has already done here, and so thankful to our family for making the transition easier! to our Texas family, we miss you and love you! But, we are excited to see you when we visit!

The Lord has really been showing me more and more about his steadfast love... "the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever." Ps. 138:8 Clinging to this promise lately... HE is the ONLY one to fulfill his purposes for me! I am so thankful of his steadfast love!!

our life in pictures :)

mothers day :)

Raylee Joy and her texas friends... and maybe future hubby?!?!

our sweet small group!

yay! Emma and Kate!

swimming

hippie daddy!!

6 months in May!

going back to MU and the room where we met... 5 year wedding anniversary trip!